Lions of BC Hearing Conservation Society

Our Purpose is to foster and promote hearing conservation, aid to the deaf and hearing impaired, and related programs

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LIONS OF BC HEARING SOCIETY - ANNOUNCEMENT

LIONS CLUBS and HEARING AID PROVIDERS

NOTE - FORMS HAVE CHANGED – Review them now.

N E W HA BANK ADDRESS:
FAX: 250 655 2923
TEL: 250 655 3609
EMAIL: Email Ken

In 1925, at the Lions International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, a lady named Hellen KELLER, herself both deaf and blind, was the keynote speaker who challenged the Lions to become "Her Knights of the Blind".

Our History: Lions have been involved in Sight and Hearing since 1925. In 1979, MD19 formed their Hearing Foundation. In 1998, when this Foundation merged with the MD19 Sight Foundation and Eye Bank, Clubs in BC needed to find another way to serve our Communities as US Internal Revenue regulations excluded Canadian funds. Thus Existing Funds and the Bank Hearing Aids were divided and Your Lions of BC Hearing Conservation Society was registered in BC on April 29, 1999.

Our Structure: Society Membership is restricted to Lions in good standing in a BC Club with a maximum of two members from any one Lions Club. Fiscal year is April 1 to 31 March with our AGM late April usually in the Delta-Fraser Valley area. Members are asked to attend the AGM, act as Club Representatives and be the Communication link to their communities and those persons with hearing difficulties. To ensure their Club support, the Membership Application must be confirmed by the Club Executive. Membership for up to a two year term is $20, which is waived should the Club contribute $300 or more with the application.

What We Do with Your Club’s Help: We purchase and provide Hearing Aids for BC Residents who have Hearing Difficulties and are unable to pay the costs involved. We do not solicit from the public, but rather work through a Lions Club, relying on each Club to reach those persons in need, and then to determine that financial assistance from the Club is both needed and deserved. Your Society also collects used aids which are refurbished for their components or sent to third world countries.

Client Sponsorship: When a Club decides to help a Community Resident, they arrange with a Hearing Aid Clinic for the Hearing Test etc., and agree to pay the service charges incurred. A Sponsorship (Form 101) Request is completed and, with the Clinic’s audiogram and Hearing Aid recommendations, is submitted to the Society Hearing Aid Bank Director for authorization. In most cases, the Request is accepted and the Provider given the go ahead. Should a new Aid be required (often for children) the Club is advised that FORM 105 –Client Special H.A. Request - is required.

Other Society Involvement: We have partnered with the BC Early Hearing Committee, a group of professionals in pediatrics and hearing. In Feb 2006, the BC Government approved their 3 year program to improve the quality of screening and testing of Newborns. This Program extends to the provision of Hearing Aids for children up to 3+ years. Hopefully, now BC will be able to reduce the average age at which hearing difficulties are determined from 44 months to 3 months or less following the lead of Washington State and other Provinces. Last year we contributed $80,000. This year, we have set aside $30,000 as expect to be asked to help with Hearing Aids for some children when the Government funding ends. We are also prepared to participate in the purchase of fixed or portable sound systems for BC Schools or Public Centers when recommended by a Club or Clubs..

What can Your Club do for Your Society:
1. Include in each year’s budget a contribution of $300 to $1,500 to support Your Society.
2. Listen to your community, so that You are able to Help should a Resident with Hearing Difficulties need financial assistance to enjoy a better quality of life.
3. Ensure that Hearing Aid Clinics in your community know we collect used aids and then arrange quarterly ‘pick up’ visits. Ask your Zone Chair where and when to send them to our Society
4. Have a Club Member become a LIONS OF BC HEARING CONSERVATION SOCIETY Member.
5. Clubs may use our Charitable Status with Revenue Canada should a business or individual wish to make a donation where they would receive a receipt for income tax purposes.

Society Awards of Interest: Each year at the Fall Forum, we recognize the District, Zone and Club which has provided the greatest financial support during the previous Lions Year. We consider all contributions and monies spent to further our Purpose. We also make available a Society Fellowship ($50) Certificate with Pin or our Meade Sutherland Award ($500) with Medal and Pin. Clubs wishing to recognize deserving individuals or members may purchase these Awards – which also count towards our annual awards.

Last updated June 14, 2008